Glossary

One who expects a decline in prices. The opposite of a Bull. A news item is considered bearish if it is expected to result in lower prices.

Bear Market

A market in which prices are declining.

Bear Spread

The simultaneous purchase and sale of two futures contracts in the same or related commodities with the intention of profiting from a decline in prices but at the same time limiting the potential loss if this expectation does not materialize. In agricultural products, this is accomplished by selling a nearby delivery and buying a deferred delivery.

Bear Vertical Spread

A strategy employed when an investor expects a decline in a commodity price but at the same time seeks to limit the potential loss if this expectation is not realized. This spread requires the simultaneous purchase and sale of options of the same class and expiration date but with different strike prices. For example, if call options are spread, the purchased option must have a higher exercise price than the option that is sold.

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